Dramatic Arts

Dramatic Arts is the study of the representation of human experience in dramatic form for an audience.

This study integrates practical experiences and competencies with the study of dramatic practices, processes and products. It aims to promote and develop creativity as a rich, diverse and productive resource through dramatic communication, interaction and representation. Learners explore how dramatic and theatrical elements are selected and combined for particular purposes within diverse contexts, with a focus on the role of the dramatic arts in South Africa.

Learners acquire specific abilities to express themselves and communicate through the dramatic arts, including skills in improvisation, vocal and physical communication, interpretation and expressiveness, the creation and presentation of performances, and the analysis and interpretation of performance texts in context. Performance texts need not only be literary (i.e. written) texts, and should include a range of dramatic practices, processes and products over the three years of study. Learners should be exposed to live performances wherever possible, whether by professionals, community practitioners or other learners. Dramatic Arts is a powerful tool for developing skills of cooperation and collaboration. Its elements and forms of expression are an inherent part of South African cultural and dramatic practices, processes and products, and thus the subject helps to preserve and promote our national heritage. Dramatic Arts prepares learners for entry into further studies for a possible career in the drama (or related arts) field, while equipping learners with crucial life skills such as confidence, self-esteem, creativity, communication skills, empathy, self-discipline, critical and creative thinking, leadership and collaborative teamwork which will benefit the individual in any field or future interest.

Grade 10 - 12 Dramatic Arts learners aim to:

develop the human instrument (body/voice/mind/emotions) as a medium of expression, communication and creativity;

develop drama skills, techniques and processes to experiment with and shape dramatic elements meaningfully, both individually and with others;

create and present dramatic products across a range of modes (lyrical, narrative, dramatic) and styles (realistic, heightened), alone and in collaboration with others;

understand, analyse and interpret principles and elements of drama in texts and performances in context, in South Africa and the world;

reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ dramatic processes, practices and products;

develop insight into how the dramatic arts affirm, challenge and celebrate values, cultures and identities;